Summer Wedding

A Summer Wedding

Summer is the most popular time of year to get married, often inspired by the beach, garden parties, tropical locations and other outdoor themes. Here are some ideas to create the perfect summer wedding.

Themes

Set themes are always popular for summer weddings. Choose a theme that reminds you of a special place or memory. A nautical theme can be achieved by using blue and white throughout, with the addition of rope, netting and seashells. The feel of a summer fete is very enjoyable for you and guests, providing games and picnic style food. For a more casual feel, create a festival theme, including a casual dress code, live band on stage and using tipis for your reception.

The warm weather and sunshine provides a great opportunity to choose bold bright colours, reflected in your decorations throughout your venue. Pastel colours are also a great choice for a summer wedding, if more in keeping with your theme. The use of pastel colours give a softer feel, and makes it easier to combine different colours.

The use of wild flowers, simply in jam jars wrapped in ribbon, for centre pieces is a very pretty and cost effective way of decorating tables.

Decorations, such as bunting and parasols, are a lovely way to add more colour to your venue, especially when decorating an outdoor space. A vintage ice cream bicycle is a lovely addition, and would be really enjoyed by guests.

Music

A live band is another very good addition to an outdoor space, while creating a lovely environment for your guests during the reception.

Live outdoor music during welcome drinks.

Flowers

In keeping with your colour scheme, during the summer you can choose bold brightly coloured flowers. Sunflowers are a great example of a bold summer flower. Block colours are very popular, often incorporated with wild flowers such as oncidium orchids, gerbera daisie, limonium and gypsophilas.

Favours

With many fruits and flowers in season, try to utilise them in your favours. Using fresh flowers are a simple and pretty idea for your guests. Alternatively, get even more creative! Try making your own colourful meringues or homemade marshmallows.

Menu

Using seasonal foods, such as herbs, vegetables and meats, allows your menu to be made up of local produce. The incorporation of fresh fruit is a lovely option to enjoy in the sun. Fruity desserts and drinks always go down a treat.

Summer Pudding, Layered Mason JarsPhoto – Pinterest, Pop Sugar

Outdoor Summer Wedding Refreshing DrinksPhoto – Pinterest

Venue

Consider the type of reception you wish to give, including thought about your theme and number of guests. An outdoor ceremony and venue is a stunning option, and makes your day slightly more unique. To decorate your outside space, use hay bales as seating and add rustic signs to guide your guests around your venue.

Hay Bales, Chill Out Area and Rustic Signing

As English weather can be unpredictable, it is a good idea to ensure your sit down meal and evening entertainment is held under cover. Marquees allow you to create a custom venue, choosing which shape and size of marquee suits your wedding best. Also consider the use of transparent sided and roofed marquees, meaning the outdoor feel is not lost.

Dresses and Suits

Your wedding dress is the perfect way to show your personality, perfectly matching your style. Consider some more summery styles when shopping. Tea-length dresses are very popular for summer weddings, along with off the shoulder style and plunging and portrait backs, showing a little more skin in the warmer months. For a really unique look, choose a pastel coloured dress, as an alternative to the traditional white.

Lighter coloured suits, rather than the traditional black or grey wedding suits, are a great choice for a summer wedding. These add even more colour to the occasion, creating a more casual feel if desired.